Overview:Maps are used for representing
the earth on a two dimensional surface. Latitude and longitude represent cartographic
lines superimposed on the surface of the earth. These lines form a grid coordinate
system. This grid system is used to pinpoint locations on the surface of the earth.
By doing this exercise, students will become familiar with latitude and longitude
and they will learn how to assign these coordinates to places on the surface of
the earth.

Materials:A map of Idaho is needed
that has latitude and longitude labeled.

Procedure:
Encourage your students to use the Digital Atlas of Idaho. To get there: Click
on Atlas Home, Historical geography, Basics, then on Diagrams.
Give your students the opportunity to learn by having them scroll down and read
the information on the latitude and longitude coordinate system. It might be
a good idea to have students work in small groups or pairs depending on how
many computers there are in the classroom. After they have been given time to
do this, let them apply what they have learned by doing the following exercise.
Have enough copies of an Idaho map for each student or group of students

1. Determine the latitude, longitude and elevation of your home town/city.
2. Use a protractor and measure the latitude and longitude of the following:
a. Boise
b. Coeur d'Alene
c. Pocatello
d. the Equator
e. the North Pole
f. the South Pole
g. the Prime Meridian

Handouts/Activities:These are links to access
the handouts and printable materials.idoutho.pdf | Diagrams